Small pickup trucks combine the ruggedness and off-roading ability of larger trucks with the utility and driving dynamics of more compact vehicles. Their versatility makes them popular among buyers. So, the small truck segment offers several choices, of which the most suitable pickup could vary depending on what buyers want—off-roading prowess, heavy-duty load carrying, smooth ride and handling, or other key features. Nevertheless, here are a few small pickup trucks that are worth considering:  2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz Hyundai’s Santa Cruz caters to urban buyers, unlike many other trucks on this list. This vehicle’s long list of comfort and safety features, comfortable ride quality, and agility around corners further enhance its utility. This vehicle comes with a turbocharged engine that has enough punch to propel the Santa Cruz forward even when its cargo bed is fully loaded. This truck’s rear visibility, limited legroom in the back seats, and slightly pricey nature are some of the minor drawbacks worth taking into account. Top features: The Hyundai Santa Cruz comes with dual front side-mounted and rear airbags, stability control, 4-wheel ABS, passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation, an 8.0-inch infotainment display, and a 6-speaker sound system. 2024 Ford Maverick Unlike Santa Cruz, the Maverick is one of the seasoned off-roaders.

Travel provides a much-needed retreat from mundane life. However, there’s nothing better than exploring new lands in a home away from home. Recreational vehicles (RVs) and travel trailers offer people this incredible advantage. Many RVs have modern facilities, including solar panels, water heaters, and television sets. This also means they require thorough upkeep for long-term performance. Here are a few of the most common maintenance mistakes RV owners should avoid. Not checking for water damage Water damage may eventually result in mold and mildew growth in the vehicle, accelerating wear and tear and increasing the risk of other problems. Therefore, one must check all the seals and look for signs of leakages and damage due to water seepage. In case of such issues, one should immediately replace the seals so the problem does not escalate. Using the wrong toilet paper Interestingly, RV bathrooms can develop serious plumbing issues if one uses regular toilet paper. RV toilet papers have a different glue or binder, which allows the material to break down faster. Owners should stay up-to-date with the importance of these unique toilet papers and avoid investing in the regular ones while setting out on a journey. Carrying out RV maintenance all by oneself Although one may have sound knowledge of RVs and their maintenance requirements, it may not always be possible or wise to carry out maintenance by oneself.

Learning how to change a flat tire is an important skill on the road. While the basics of driving and dealing with such emergencies are often covered at driving school or by an instructor, there are several things one may not know about changing a flat tire. So, here are a few mistakes one can make when dealing with a flat tire and how to avoid them for a quick, hassle-free tire change: 1. Being unprepared This is one of the most common mistakes one can make when dealing with a flat tire. As it is impossible to predict when a tire may go out, drivers must ensure that their cars are always equipped with the following tools: – The owner’s manual, as a guide for finding the jacking points –  A heavy-duty torch – A warning triangle – A high-visibility jacket – The wheel nut key (for locking wheel nuts) – A pump and pressure gauge – Wheel chocks (to prevent vehicle movement) – A jack and wheel wrench – A healthy spare tire 2. Changing tires on an uneven road One must always change the tire on an even surface, as the car may not sit right on the jack on gravel, grass, and slopes, potentially sliding off or shifting.

Car owners must be prepared to handle extra expenses, such as car maintenance, repair, and replacement of parts, including the tires. The tires are one of the most used parts of the car and must be regularly replaced after driving for specific miles or if the tread seems worn off. With the cost of tires steadily increasing, one may wish to save money while buying new tires. Here are a few tips that can help. Buy tires at the right time Many tire manufacturers and retailers may offer promotions and discounts during October and April. This is because many consumers may want to replace their tires before a change in weather conditions. So, tire sales go up right before winter sets in October and before the rains begin in April. Therefore, these are the months when consumers can expect a lot of low prices on new tires. Look out for deals and rebates Manufacturers may not restrict sales to the beginning of winter or rain. Retailers offer discounts and rebates on various occasions throughout the year. For instance, a retailer might have an anniversary offer, during which they roll out different deals and discounts on new tires. Moreover, consumers can also take advantage of various sales that begin with the holiday season to save money while buying new tires.

Tires are among the most essential components of any vehicle. Therefore, tire quality and reliability are two of the most critical aspects of vehicular maintenance. Most people usually purchase tires without considering a range of factors, including speed ratings, load ratings, and size. Doing so can be a major mistake that can affect their vehicles’ overall performance and longevity. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when purchasing tires: 1. Compromising quality for price It is essential to avoid purchasing the cheapest tires available in the market. The quality of such tires can be poor. It is not a given that only the most expensive tires perform well and are reliable. Nevertheless, the best quality tires tend to be at the higher end of the price spectrum. Also, one must purchase tires manufactured by reputed, renowned, and experienced brands to ensure that the tires will last as long as possible. All in all, one must find the right balance between quality and cost-efficiency when buying tires in the market. 2. Buying tires of the wrong size Tires that are incompatible or barely compatible with vehicles in size must be avoided as they can wear out quickly. As a result, if an individual purchases tires of the wrong size, they will have to make frequent replacements.

Buying an SUV is a whole different experience. It is not just about getting a vehicle to travel from one place to another. SUV enthusiasts look for options that offer comfort in daily city driving while being rugged enough to take on adventurous terrain. One renowned brand in this segment is Jeep, which curates impressive compact and full-size SUVs of high quality. Below are some of the best Jeep cars to consider buying. Jeep Grand Cherokee Despite being a rugged SUV, the Grand Cherokee is one of Jeep’s luxurious options. The base variant is a standard two-row mid-size SUV powered by a V-6 engine that can churn out about 293 hp. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is available at a starting price of $36,000, for which one could get infotainment features like an 8.4-inch touchscreen and a standard six-speaker stereo. The car is also ideal for those who want to haul loads such as trailers or boats. Jeep Wrangler The Wrangler starts at $32,000, which is admirable compared to other vehicles in the segment. Under the hood on the base trim, one could get a 285-hp 3.6-liter V-6 engine paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. Moreover, one could opt for the eight-speed automatic transmission.

The 2024 Ram 1500 Limited is one of the most popular full-size pickup trucks one can find today. The pickup is the perfect blend of luxury and performance because of its powerful engine, stellar design, and modern features. Nevertheless, it is important to know what makes the truck stand out from other pickups in the segment before making a purchase decision. So, here are some of the key features of the RAM 1500 Limited: 1. Good performance The 2024 RAM Limited 1500 comes with a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, which is capable of generating about 395 horsepower and about 410 lb-ft of torque. Moreover, an eTorque system adds up to 130 lb-ft of supplemental launch torque. 2. Top-notch infotainment The pickup comes with a 12-inch touchscreen to display music information and climate controls. It also offers AM/FM radio and navigation via TomTom—a system that delivers accurate ETAs and instant reroutes based on real-time traffic. One also has the option of adding a head-up display to the 2024 RAM 1500 Limited. 3. Smooth ride The vehicle comes with a four-corner air suspension with an automatic load-leveling feature. The system ensures the 2024 RAM 1500 Limited is balanced and maintains optimal ride height levels on most terrains.

While buying an SUV, one may look for a range of elements, such as the level of comfort, power figures, and towing capabilities of the car. One may also consider factors like the look and features of the vehicle. But in a race to get the perfect SUV, one could often get carried away and purchase something far from their liking. Here are six mistakes to avoid when buying an SUV. Not researching The most common error in finding an ideal SUV is the lack of research. Since the vehicle is a massive investment, one should identify what they require and expect of the SUV. One should look at various models and makes, read reviews, and compare multiple brands to find the right fit. Ignoring safety While one might be an excellent driver, road traffic can be unpredictable. So, before buying an SUV, one must validate if the vehicle has all the necessary standard safety features. These could include driver assistance features like blind-spot monitoring, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and emergency braking. More importantly, one should check for a safety rating issued by relevant authorities, such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA.) Some of the safest SUVs are those that receive a five-star overall rating.